Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World
by John MacArthur
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Book Summary Information
Author: John MacArthurEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2001-04-05
ISBN: 1581342888
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Crossway Books
Book Reviews of Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World
Book Review: Good background, Poor Solution
Summary: 3 Stars
Since we have been Christians for many years, both my wife and I have been distressed over the "Show Time" type of Christianity that now exists in many churches. We have attended services in a church which has "Broadway Style" (words taken from the church bulletin) presentations. One Christmas, this same church had a "Rock around the Christmas Tree" presentation (including the music, tree, and dancing).
I bought MacArthur's book with the hope that it would provide us with some insights and solutions to this problem of worldliness in the church. The first seven chapters give good insight into the pragmatic, "market-driven" church so common in our day. They are worthwhile reading.
The problem I had with his book comes in chapter eight. I'm expecting some insight into the root of this problem. However, the only answer I get is, "The very reason many contemporary churches embrace pragmatic methodology is they lack understanding of God's sovereignty in the salvation of the elect." He spends a whole chapter discussing his Calvinistic view.
The classic statement he makes is, ". . . those who reject the biblical doctrine of sovereignty. . ." It isn't a question of rejecting sovereignty (Who in their right mind would doubt that the God of the Bible is sovereign in all that He does?). There are many godly Christians, missionaries, and churches who believe that God in his sovereignty has given to man the power of genuine choice. Giving man choice does not take away from God's glory or sovereignty.
His solution, it seems, is that "many contemporary churches" should get more "understanding of God's sovereignty in the salvation of the elect." He seems to say that accepting his Calvinistic belief regarding "salvation of the elect" would solve the problem of pragmatism in today's churches. If he means to say that, how does one account for worldliness in strongly Calvinistic churches? Frankly, I don't think that worldliness (or un-worldliness) in a church is determined by the churches view on Calvinism. The eighth chapter left me disappointed; otherwise, it is a very good book.
R.S. Miller
Summary of Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World
Ashamed of the Gospel bears a message the church just can't ignore: that we dare not water down the gospel or be ashamed of communicating its convicting message. It's a warning of the spiritual consequences to come if Christians continue to compromise biblical doctrine and the preaching of the Gospel. This masterful work, now in paperback, challenges the church to return to the roots of the Great Commission and encourages a steadfast preaching of the Word of God.General Books
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